BDF X1 has booked itself a space in the Mascom Top 8 semi-finals after playing to a one all-draw with Police XI in a second at Sir Seretse Khama Baracks on November 8.

BDF X1 has qualified with the away goal rule. In the first leg that was played at Molepolole recently, the two sides played to a two all draw. Although the game started at a low tempo, BDF X1 had a couple of scoring opportunities but failed to bury them.

In the 11th minute of the game Master Masitara missed a golden opportunity after passing through Police XI defenders and goal keeper, but poor composer in the box failed him.

On the 22nd minute, Matebele were awarded a free kick which was well taken by Kumbulani Madziba, but his effort was thwarted by Police keeper Abednico Morapedi who had a good game on the day.

On the other hand Police XI also tried to move forward, but were let down by poor finishing in front of goal. Matebele managed to open the score sheet on the 33rd minute through Thato Ogopotse to give his side the lead.

The goal seemed to have demoralised the opponents since they failed to move forward to at least search for an equaliser and the game went into a recess with Matebele leading 1-nil.

After the break, Police came back rejuvenated and one will just think their technical team had warned them that there is P1 million at stake, given that they started to move forward searching to level the matter.

In the 59th minute, their hard work paid dividends as they were awarded a free kick which was well executed by Katlego Masole to make it 1-1. Although they equalised the solo goal was not enough to send them to the semi-finals, because BDF had scored two away goals in their first leg.

After the game, Police coach, Letlamoreng Maitumelo said overall his midfield was not functioning properly, as they gave their opponents too much room to manoeuvre.

He said his game plan was to score an early goal to unsettle BDF XI but that was not to be, adding that it was not their day. The coach said their focus was now on the league games. “We are going back to the league games and you should expect a lot from us,” he said.

BDF X1 coach, Elija Chikwanda on the other side said although they played to a one all draw, he was happy with his boys’ performance because they played according to the instructions. He said moving forward with the tournament they would have to correct certain things for them to aance to the next stages of the tournament.